Former rapper and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) scored a resounding victory in Nepal’s Parliamentary Elections, unseating former Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli in the Jhapa-5 Constituency, according to the Election Commission.
Shah secured 68,348 votes, while Oli managed only 18,734 votes, confirming Shah’s position as the next PM. Representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Shah’s win comes as the party emerged as the dominant force in the elections, securing 59 seats under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system and leading in 62 other constituencies.
With the combined tally of direct and proportional representation seats exceeding the 138-seat majority threshold in the 275-member House of Representatives, RSP is on track to form the government comfortably.
Vice-chairperson DP Aryal confirmed that Shah will be the parliamentary leader and future PM.
“The party’s top leaders, including Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah, inspired the voters’ confidence. There is no internal dispute over the premiership, and Balen Shah will lead the government,” said Aryal.
The party, formed about four years ago, has now achieved a historic mandate, consolidating its position as a key political player in Nepal.
PM Modi congratulates Nepal, pledges support
PM Narendra Modi extended his greetings to Nepal’s newly elected government following the announcement.
In a post on X, he said, “I warmly congratulate the people and Government of Nepal on the successful and peaceful conduct of elections. It is heartening to see my Nepali sisters and brothers exercise their democratic rights so vibrantly. This historic milestone is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey. As a close friend and neighbour, India remains steadfast in its commitment to working closely with the people of Nepal and their new Government to scale new heights of shared peace, progress and prosperity.”
सफलतापूर्वक र शान्तिपूर्ण रूपमा निर्वाचन सम्पन्न भएकोमा म नेपालका जनता र सरकारलाई हार्दिक बधाई दिन चाहन्छु। मेरा नेपाली दिदीबहिनी तथा दाजुभाइहरूले आफ्नो लोकतान्त्रिक अधिकार यति जीवन्त रूपमा प्रयोग गरेको देख्न पाउँदा अत्यन्तै खुशी लागेको छ।
यो ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि नेपालको…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2026
The elections come in the wake of large-scale protests by the younger generation, as Nepal seeks political stability and a path toward development. Shah’s decisive victory over a veteran leader like Oli signals a generational shift in the Himalayan nation’s political landscape. Analysts say the RSP’s clean sweep in key constituencies reflects voter confidence in new leadership that promises transparency, development, and governance reforms.
Shah, who had not spoken immediately after the results were announced, was seen celebrating his victory with supporters, flashing the V-for-victory sign. With this mandate, he is set to officially assume the Prime Ministership and steer Nepal into its next phase of governance.
(With ANI and AFP inputs)
